Aerobic Exercise for Aging
(ACE Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byJoe R. Nocera, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The objective of the current proposal is to identify 1) how aging-related changes in GABAergic cortical inhibition affect motor performance, and 2) how aerobic exercise may improve inhibitory function and facilitate motor learning.

Research Team

Joe R. Nocera, PhD

Principal Investigator

Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals aged 50-85 who are generally not engaged in vigorous physical labor or exercise weekly. It's not suitable for those with unmanaged diabetes or conditions that make MRI scans unsafe.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 50 and 85 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

My job involves heavy physical work.

Contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging

Participants completing vigorous exercise per week

See 1 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Aerobic Exercise (Corticosteroid)
Stretching and Balance Training (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study examines how aerobic exercise versus stretching and balance training affects brain function related to movement control as people age, specifically looking at the role of a neurotransmitter called GABA.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Aerobic ExerciseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will engage in an aerobic exercise program meeting thrice weekly for a period of 12 weeks.

Group II: Stretching and Balance TrainingActive Control1 Intervention

Participants will engage in a balance and stretching comparator condition meeting thrice weekly for 12 weeks.